World
Australian brothers and US tourist who went missing on surfing trip in Mexico ‘shot dead by thieves’
Two Australian brothers and a US tourist who went missing in Mexico were shot dead by thieves who wanted their truck’s tyres, according to prosecutors.
Relatives of Jake and Callum Robinson and Jack Carter Rhoad have identified the three bodies.
They were dumped in a remote 15m-deep (50ft) well.
American Jack Carter Rhoad was travelling with the brothers
The trio went missing a week ago while on a surfing trip near the northern city of Ensenada – not far from the US border – and had posted photos on social media of isolated beaches.
Thieves likely saw their truck and tents and wanted their tyres but the men probably resisted, said prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez.
She said the bodies were taken to “a site that is extremely hard to get to” in Baja California state.
The well, near where their truck and tent were found on Thursday, also contained a fourth body that had been there much longer.
It took two hours to winch the bodies out, said Ms Andrade Ramírez.
She said the same thieves may also have dumped the fourth body there.
Surfers protested over what they say is a lack of safety in the area. Pic: Reuters
Surfers near Ensenada threw flowers into the sea in a tribute to the men. Pic: AP
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Three men are being questioned over the killings.
After the bodies were found, surfers gathered in Ensenada, the nearest city, to protest at what they say is a lack of safety in the state.
“They only wanted to surf – we demand safe beaches,” said a sign held by one woman.
Some of them later took part in a ‘paddle-out’ ceremony in remembrance of the three men, forming a circle with their boards in the sea and throwing flowers.
In a Facebook message last week, Jake and Callum’s mother said she hadn’t been in touch with them since 27 April.
The post, on 1 May, said they were meant to check into an Airbnb in the resort town of Rosarito but “did not show up”.
Australian media reported Callum had been living in the US to try to become a professional lacrosse player, while his brother had only flown out to visit him two weeks ago.